The power to shape society, spark innovation and move culture. That’s what the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers to our entering freshman class each year. Combine your ideas, strengths and determination with our world-class faculty, rich diversity and location in the cultural and economic heart of the state. Your brilliant future will start to unfold. Ready to reveal your power as a new freshman at UWM?
APPLICATION REVIEW
To provide high quality educational opportunity for students, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions admits students whose academic preparation, background and personal experience suggest that they will succeed at the institution, benefit from that educational experience, and contribute to the educational environment.
Freshman applicants are evaluated through a comprehensive, individualized review process and students with a wide range of academic achievement and personal experience are offered admission at all three UWM campuses. The following factors are considered as part of the comprehensive review process:
Your academic performance in the classroom is the most important factor in the review of your application. We carefully consider the pattern and rigor of your high school coursework, class rank (if available), overall GPA and grades in specific courses related to your intended major at UWM. The most competitive candidates for admission to UWM typically surpass these unit requirements.
- English: 4 units
- Math (Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2 or equivalent): 3 units
- Natural Science: 3 units
- Social Science: 3 units
- Academic Electives: 4 units
- Typical electives include a combination of extra courses in the above subjects, arts, music, computer science, foreign language or business
If you choose to submit test scores, performance on the ACT or SAT is only one factor considered in the admission process. In addition to your composite score, we also consider your sub-scores in the area(s) (English, math, reading, science) that closely relate to your intended major at UWM. While the writing portion of the ACT is not required, we will consider these results if you wish to submit them.
Additional Information
We want to know more about you beyond your academic record and test results! Other factors considered in the review process include, but are not limited to, student experiences, work experience, leadership qualities, motivation, community service, special talents, etc. This information is collected when you complete the application. The essay is where you answer the prompt and tell your story. Letters of recommendation are not required but will be considered should you choose to send them.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applications will be considered for admission after an application and required supporting documents have been submitted. Please use the information below to complete your application file. If you have questions, you can connect with your Admissions Advisor. You can also contact our office directly by phone at
(414) 229-2222 or via email at undergraduateadmissions@uwm.edu.
Freshman students can now apply using either the UW System application or the Common App. Are you applying exclusively to UWM or UW System schools? The UW System application will provide an expedited experience. If you are applying to UWM and other schools outside of the UW System, the Common App will be most helpful.
UWM no longer requires an application fee.
The application essay is completed before you submit your application through either the UW-System Application or Common Application. This is your opportunity to tell your story by responding to the following prompt:
Tell us about something you’ve done — academically or personally — and what you’ve learned from it. Was it a success or a challenge? Did it represent a turning point in your life? How did this particular moment in your life influence you, and how will it continue to influence you as you pursue your college education?
The essay should include:
- Any academic and personal hurdles and/or challenges you’d like us to know about in the context of your application
- Any information that is inclusive of your family or your community experiences
Before you submit your essay, please make sure to:
- Check your spelling and grammar
- Ask someone to proofread your final version
- Include 250-650 words
Official or unofficial high school transcripts may be submitted for initial application review. You may choose to upload your unofficial transcripts when completing the UW-System application. Unofficial transcripts can also be emailed to undergraduateadmissions@uwm.edu for review.
Admission decisions are conditional until an official final high school transcript is submitted after high school graduation. Official transcripts can be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions through an approved electronic service or via mail to:
UWM Admissions
PO Box 749
Milwaukee WI 53201-0749
UW-System institutions, including UWM, are not requiring applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores as part of the application process this year. UWM will consider applicants for admission with or without one of these standardized test scores. On the application, students will be able to indicate whether or not they intend to send an ACT or SAT score to be reviewed with their application. Students who plan to send test scores can submit official scores directly from the testing service, self-report their test scores on the Common Application, or or complete the electronic self-reported test scores form.
To send scores directly from the testing service, select UW-Milwaukee as recipients (ACT school code: 4658; SAT school code: 1473)
ADMISSION DECISIONS
Updates to your admissions status, including your admission decision, will be communicated via email and mail. Soon after we receive your application, we will mail you information about how to check the status of your application online, via our PAWS (Panther Access to Web Services) student information system. Through your PAWS account, you can track your application progress, such as what documents are required to complete your application. When your file is complete it will be reviewed through our comprehensive, individualized review process. It may take up to 3 weeks to receive your decision during peak times. Potential outcomes may include:
- Direct admission to your campus of choice
- A request for additional information to be sent
- Denied admission to the Milwaukee campus with an offer of admission to either the Waukesha or Washington County campuses
- Denied admission
Common Questions
A completed application file consists of:
- an application
- an official high school transcript
- your ACT or SAT scores
- $25 application processing fee.
Upon submission of your materials, you will be mailed directions to access your PAWS (Panther Access to Web Services) account to check the status of your application. Because you may submit your application for admission to UWM while you are still enrolled in high school, after you have graduated you will also need to receive a final high school transcript with your final semester grades and graduation date posted.
UW-System institutions, including UWM, are not requiring applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores as part of the application process this year. UWM will consider applicants for admission with or without one of these standardized test scores. On the application, students will be able to indicate whether or not they intend to send an ACT or SAT score to be reviewed with their application. Students who plan to send test scores can submit official scores directly from the testing service, self-report their test scores on the Common Application, or complete electronic the Self-Reported Test Scores form.
Performance on standardized tests is only one factor considered in the admission process. While the writing portion of the ACT is not required, we will consider these results if you wish to submit them. In addition to your composite score, we also consider your sub-scores in the area(s) (English, math, reading, science) that closely relate to your intended major at UWM. Submission of ACT/SAT results is never required of freshman applicants age 21 or older.
As always, our Admissions Advisors are available to answer questions!
UW-Milwaukee does have a Residency Policy which states that all first-time students under the age of 21 are expected to live on-campus, where availability allows. There are a few valid reasons to be exempt from this policy. For more information on the process to request an exemption, visit:https://uwm.edu/housing/students/residency-requirement/.
Additional resources
Mailing Address
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 749
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0749
Street Address
Welcome Center
2100 E Kenwood Blvd
Milwaukee, WI 53211